10-year-old wins place in top riding contest

A 10-year-old amateur rider has won a place at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

Tingewick girl Izzy Partridge, took first place in the Ponies class at the SEIB Insurance Broker’s Search for a Star 2015 qualifier, held at Houghton Hall Equestrian Centre in Cambridgeshire.

Riding her mum Kate’s show pony, Mansionhill Bertie Bassett, Izzy earned her coveted place in the final at HOYS.

Kate bought the eight-year-old gelding last year from his breeders, Alison and Tony Georgakiss.

Mansionhill Bertie Bassett, who is known as Bert at home, was bought for Izzy to gain experience on and take to shows.

Izzy , who attends Roundwood Primary School, said: “I am so happy.

“Bert was just great in the ring.

“I am going to practice lots between now and HOYS.

“I am just so, so pleased with Bert.”

Kate said: “Izzy works so hard to do well at the shows.

“We are real amateurs and it is great that, with some hard work, it is possible to achieve these results.”

Izzy will compete at the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Championship finals at the Horse of The Year Show, which takes place from October 7 to 11 at the Birmingham NEC.

Search for a Star was designed to give amateur riders and owners an opportunity to compete at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show and to identify top-class horses and ponies which might otherwise not be given the opportunity to compete at that level.